Books matching: the aids crisis
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- #1
Save:The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai is a novel that follows the lives of a group of friends in Chicago during the 1980s AIDS crisis. The story alternates between the past and present, exploring the impact of the epidemic on the characters and their relationships. The book delves into themes of death, family tension, love, and loss, capturing the emotional turmoil of the characters as they navigate through the devastating effects of the disease.
Makkai skillfully weaves together multiple storylines, including the struggles of the gay community, the art world, and family dynamics. The narrative moves between Chicago in the 1980s and Paris in 2015, following characters like Yale, Fiona, and Nico as they grapple with personal tragedies and search for meaning amidst the challenges they face. Through poignant storytelling and vivid character development, the novel offers a poignant exploration of friendship, grief, and resilience in the face of adversity.
Yale found the bulletin from last night’s vigil in his pocket and folded it into something resembling the cootie catchers his childhood friends used to make on buses—the ones that told your fortune (“... - #2
Save:'Christodora' by Tim Murphy is a multi-decade saga centered around a family living in a condo building in the Village in New York City, intertwined with the narrative of the AIDS epidemic. The plot jumps back and forth in time, following various characters affected by the disease, drug culture, and activism, while also exploring themes of adoption, identity, and gentrification. Tim Murphy's writing style is described as compelling, well-written, and able to draw readers into the lives of diverse characters facing life's challenges.
By the time Christodora House settlement erected its handsomely simple new sixteen-story brick tower on the corner of Avenue B and Ninth Street in 1928—an edifice that loomed over Tompkins Square Park... - #3
Save:'Like a Love Story' by Abdi Nazemian is a poignant coming-of-age novel set in New York City in 1989, during the height of the AIDS crisis. The story follows Reza, an Iranian immigrant struggling with his sexuality, as he navigates high school life and forms relationships with Judy, an aspiring fashion designer, and Art, a rebellious photographer documenting the AIDS epidemic. Through their intertwined journeys, the book explores themes of self-acceptance, love, activism, and the impact of the AIDS crisis on the LGBTQ+ community. The writing style is described as raw, honest, and emotionally impactful, capturing the complexities of the characters' experiences and the historical backdrop of the era.
There should be a limit on how long any human being has to wear braces. Also, there should be another name for braces. Mouth invaders, maybe, or teeth terrorists. Although I suppose an Iranian boy the... - #4
Save:'Exquisite Corpse' by Poppy Z. Brite is a graphic and horrifying novel that delves into the world of homosexual cannibal serial killers with AIDS. Set in New Orleans, the book follows a convicted serial killer who rises from the dead to build a new life in the French Quarter, encountering dangerous desires and a love that brings fear along with lust. The narrative explores dark themes of psychopathy, violence, and sexualized carnage, seducing the reader into a macabre world filled with gore and disturbing imagery.
The writing style of 'Exquisite Corpse' is described as mature, eloquent, and fearless in its examination of taboo subjects. Poppy Z. Brite's lucid prose offsets the gore fest horror thrill, providing a balance between the graphic violence and the luscious descriptions of the narrative. The novel is praised for its compelling storytelling, tight writing, and the ability to keep the reader engaged despite the disturbing content, making it a page-turner that explores the depths of human depravity.
Sometimes a man grows tired of carrying everything the world heaps upon his head. The shoulders sag, the spine bows cruelly, the muscles tremble with weariness. Hope of relief begins to die. And the m... - #5
Save:"Millennium Approaches" in the series "Angels in America" by Tony Kushner is an epic, 6-hour play featuring a gay Mormon main character and is praised as a fantastic work of theater. The play delves into themes related to AIDS, homophobia, drug abuse, and abandonment, set against the backdrop of 1980s New York City. It interweaves fictional characters with real historical figures, providing a blend of fictional and historical elements. The writing style is described as brutal, tragic, emotionally rending, but ultimately ending hopefully, making it a quick but impactful read that sheds light on the AIDS crisis.
The play is commended for its strong representation of adult themes and its triumphant ending, despite the challenging subject matter. It is recommended for both its audio play version and the HBO series adaptation, with praises for the incredible reading experience and the engaging portrayal of multidimensional characters struggling with sexuality, religion, and family during a time of crisis. Some readers find the play to be life-changing, urging others to experience it as a performance rather than just reading the script.
- #6
Save:Set in 1983 New York City, 'We Are Lost and Found' by Helene Dunbar follows the journey of Michael, a gay teenager coming of age during the early days of the AIDS crisis. The novel explores Michael's self-discovery, first love, and friendships with Becky, James, and his brother Connor, against the backdrop of a city and community grappling with the devastating impact of the disease. Dunbar's writing style, with short vignettes and the absence of quotation marks, captures the nuances of Michael's experiences and the vibrant yet tumultuous world of 1980s NYC.
Sarah Schulman's book 'The Gentrification of the Mind: Witness to a Lost Imagination' explores the impact of gentrification on urban neighborhoods, focusing on the AIDS crisis in the 1980s and 1990s. Through vivid storytelling and insightful analysis, Schulman commemorates movements like ACT UP and delves into the loss of culture and community due to the homogenization of cities. The book provides a valuable perspective on the destruction of homes for low-income individuals, offering a prophetic view of the blight affecting cities worldwide.
Schulman's writing style is described as honest, direct, and transformative, resonating with readers who appreciate the book's exploration of power, community, and individuality. Through a blend of social history and personal reflection, Schulman's narrative encourages readers to reassess assumptions about gentrification, its causes, and manifestations, ultimately shedding light on the profound consequences of urban transformation.
- #8
Save:'They're Going to Love You' by Meg Howrey is a novel that delves into the complex relationships within a family intertwined with the world of ballet. The story follows Carlisle, a choreographer with a troubled past, as she navigates the dynamics between her estranged father, his partner James, and her own aspirations in the dance world. Through a narrative that moves back and forth in time, the reader uncovers the emotional layers of Carlisle's life, her struggles with self-acceptance, and the unresolved rift with her father. The writing style of the book is described as poignant and focused on Carlisle's inner life, with rich descriptions of the ballet world and the characters' emotional journeys.
- #9
Save:'My Government Means to Kill Me' by Rasheed Newson follows the journey of Earl Trey Singleton III, a young gay Black man in the 1980s New York City. Trey escapes his rich family to explore life, navigating through bathhouses, volunteering at an AIDS hospice, and becoming a founding member of ACT UP. The story intertwines fiction with historical events, portraying the conflicting emotions of self-discovery, acceptance, societal oppression, and the fear caused by the AIDS pandemic. The narrative captures the forgotten history of the early days of gay liberation, providing a compelling insight into Black queer history during a crucial time period.
The author, Rasheed Newson, skillfully blends fiction and non-fiction, creating a beautifully crafted story that offers a unique perspective on surviving AIDS as a minority in the 1970s and 1980s. Despite the abrupt ending, the book immerses readers in the historical context of the AIDS epidemic, shedding light on the struggles and experiences of individuals like Trey during that challenging period.
- #10
Save:Trailer Trash by Marie Sexton is a poignant coming-of-age novel set in 1986 in a dying town in Wyoming. The story follows Cody and Nate, two teenagers from different backgrounds who form a deep connection as they navigate poverty, discrimination, and the complexities of teenage life. The book beautifully captures the themes of love, loss, hope, and societal issues, all while providing a raw and realistic portrayal of the characters' struggles and growth. Through engaging storytelling and vivid descriptions, the author transports readers to a time when encyclopedias, mix tapes, and phone calls were the norm, creating a nostalgic and immersive reading experience.
Cody was at the gas station on the corner, waiting for the customers to clear out so he could buy a pack of smokes, when the new guy came in. Warren, Wyoming, was a small place. Everyone knew everybod...
